Trollip said that he has advised the Rapid Response Task Team in the Mayor’s Office to escalate this issue with urgency.

The mayor’s seat in Nelson Mandela Bay is subject to a court case after Trollip was ousted from office at a council meeting last week.

Drama unfolded when DA councillor Victor Manyati betrayed his colleagues by abstaining from a vote which ultimately led to the removal of Council Speaker Jonathan Lawack and his replacement by Buyelwa Mafaya of the ANC.

After Lawack was ousted the DA-led coalition fell apart when several motions, including a motion of no confidence against Trollip, succeeded in his absence.

The UDM’s Mongameli Bobani was elected as the new mayor.

However, the DA argues the process that was followed was unlawful, invalid and capable of being set aside.